THE reason why privacy hath been enjoined in moments
of devotion is this, that thou mayest give thy best attention
to the remembrance of God, that thy heart may at all times
be animated with His Spirit, and not be shut out as by a veil
from thy Best Beloved. Let not thy tongue pay lip service
in praise of God while thy heart be not attuned to the
exalted Summit of Glory, and the Focal Point of communion.
Thus if haply thou dost live in the Day of Resurrection,
the mirror of thy heart will be set towards Him
Who is the Day-Star of Truth; and no sooner will His
light shine forth than the splendour thereof shall forthwith
be reflected in thy heart. For He is the Source of all goodness,
and unto Him revert all things. But if He appeareth
while thou hast turned unto thyself in meditation, this shall
not profit thee, unless thou shalt mention His Name by
words He hath revealed. For in the forthcoming Revelation
it is He Who is the Remembrance of God, whereas the
devotions which thou art offering at present have been
prescribed by the Point of the